14-year-old Merced rapper Mali speaks on new EP and what he wants fans to take from his music

We linked up with Merced’s @DaRealMali1 to discuss his new EP Itz Mali dropping on May 7th. Below is our interview with him where he talks about his experience with music, how it all started, and what’s up next. He’s not trying to front or speak on anything he hasn’t been through. He’s just trying to tell his story and let his supporters know anything’s possible if you put your mind to it. Stream Mali’s forthcoming EP produced by K – Lou on Apple Music! (Artist Submitted)

Thizzler: Where are you from?

Mali: I’m from the 209, that’s Merced for those who don’t know. Issa little rough sometimes, but issa real pretty town. 

T: How was your upbringing?

M: My upbringing was coo, wasn’t good, but it taught me a lot. It added to my perspective on things because most of us gotta grow up a lil bit faster when it’s guns in yo face and everybody wanna fight. 

T: How did you begin making music and how did you get your rap name?

M: Well it was the day after Christmas and we had just got done recording my first IG video, then my cousin was like, “what’s yo rap name gon be?” and I’m like, “I don’t even know.” So 10 minutes later we on some rap name generator answering surveys and what not, then we scrolling through the names and saw one and was like “das it.”

T: How would describe your musical style?

M: I think it’s like lyrical but at the same time it’s felt. You know I’m not gonna rap about all them expensive cars, I don’t have em, even when I do there’s going to be more prominent issues to tackle anyways.

T: Tell me about your EP Itz Mali.

M: Itz Mali is like an introduction to who I am. Like an art display you know you can really examine, and learn parts of me that I might not even fully know honestly. 

T: What inspired this new project?

M: Honestly I just picked four topics that I felt were pillars in my life ran with it and now here we are.

T: How is it different than previous drops?

M: These songs are different from others solely because I know myself better than I use to and honestly that made my craft a lot better.  

T: What message do you want fans to walk away with after listening to Itz Mali?

M: I just want people to know that bottom line any situation you in you can overcome. Issa lot that goes on in the hood and with people. It just makes people think they’re trapped in mental chains. It’s crazy.  

T: What’s next?

M: After this we got a new project on the way called 209. It speaks on things that go on in my city, how feel about them, etc.

T: Is there anything else you want to say?

M: I just wanna give a big thank you to Merced and to every supporter I have. Y’all can do anything. Don’t put yourself in mental shackles. Oh and ITZ MALI!

Follow Mali on IG: @da.realmali!